Published September 07, 2006 by: renee
This is a question that a lot of people are probably now asking. Especially since they currently have a longer list of items that is not allowed on airplanes, because of the recent threats that have come to light. But does this mean that traveling by plane is now the worst way to travel. Well it really depends on how you look at it. I think that the big issues are whether or not you are willing to go through all of the additional security. If you really take the time to think about it flying by plane seems to now be one of the safest ways to travel.
Let’s take into consideration some of the other ways to travel. If you choose to travel by train then it will probably take you a longer time to get to your destination. Although a train ride is not that uncomfortable it is a good way to travel. Another option that you have is to travel by car. Not too many people really like to take long trips in a car with their family. Usually if you are traveling by car you will have to make a lot more stops, and you may end up more exhausted when you finally get to your destination.
The most uncomfortable option that people have said they do not like for long trips is the bus. If you have no other option than of course you have to deal with what you got. Some feel that the price of a bus trip is so much cheaper than a plane ride. While this may be true in most cases for you to actually be able to enjoy your vacation it may be better to take the plane. Especially if you have children of any age. You may not realize it but riding on a bus can be very exhausting. The reason is because it can be rather uncomfortable, which in turn will cause you to be unable to rest and relax.
If you choose to travel by plane it will mean spending extra time in the airport, and there is always the possibility of a delay. But the extra security measures are there for you protection and for your safety. Even if you have to wait in line for a long period of time at least you know that it is the only way to ensure your safety. It is also a lot easier to travel by plane when you have young children. You still end up getting to your destination a lot quicker than using other means of transportation.
Even if there is a delay and you have to change your vacation plans it really is not that much of a hassle. Just try your best not to get too stressed out if your plane is delayed or held up for safety reasons. Just try to remember that they are just trying to look out for your best interest. Don’t you think that it is better for the airport security to be overly protective of your safety then to not do anything at all? The bottom line is that many people still feel that traveling by plane is still the best way to travel regardless of the wait or the expense.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of travelling by air.
Plane idioms: define the meaning and do exercises.
Plane idioms
Match the idioms with their meanings:
| Idiom | Example | Meaning |
| to be flying high | The company had some initial problems but now it is flying high. | to go down suddenly and fast |
| to do smth on autopilot | I’ve written so many references now that I can more or less do it on autopilot. | to stop |
| to take a nosedive | Share prices took a nosedive last week. | to behave in such a way that is likely to cause a major disagreement or fight |
| to be on a collision course | The two countries are on a collision course, and it seems that nothing can be done to prevent serious trouble. | to do smth without thinking (informal) |
| to come to a standstill | Production has come to a standstill because of the strike. | to be very successful |
Choose the correct answer.
1. If a business is flying high, it is a) failing b) just starting up c) doing well and is profitable.
2. If you do something on autopilot, you do it a) without thinking b) using a computer c) deliberately
3. If someone is back on track, they are a) being punished for bad behaviour b) behaving in a less responsible way c) behaving responsibly again.
Match the beginning of each sentence with its ending.
| 1. I’m glad to say that things are now back… 2. We don’t know what could happen a year down… 3. Profits of internet-based companies have taken… 4. I think the employers and the inions are on… 5. Nothing’s happening. Things have come to… | …a collision course. …a complete standstill. …the line. …on track. …a nosedive recently. |
HOME ASSIGNMENT:
Prepare a 3-minute report on one of the following topics:
1) World famous airlines
2) The first airplane ever
3) Helicopters
4) Dirigibles
5) Air-ballooning
6) Paragliding (and suchlike)
7) Parachuting
8) Air catastrophes
9) Space travelling
10) The most expensive and posh airplanes
11) Planes and pilots of World Wars I and II
12) Igor I. Sikorsky – a famous Russian aircraft designer
13) Other aircraft designers
14) Flying vehicles in folklore and literature
Get ready for the test on travelling by air.
Lesson 6
TRAVELLING BY AIR
Reports
Test
HOME ASSIGNMENT:
Read the text on travelling by road.
